WINTER SPORTS — It's time for skiers and snowshoers to hitch a ride behind their dogs and sign up for the sixth annual Paws & Poles Race. The event that benefits SpokAnimal CARE is set for March 3 at 49 Degrees North.

Enter a 5-kilometer cross-country skijoring race or leash up to your dog for a 3K snowshoe race.  Both races will begin at 11 a.m. at the resort's Nordic Center. 

Registration opens at 9 a.m. Entry fee: $20.

Pre-register at Mountain Gear in Spokane. Info: 325-9000.

See photos of last year's event here.

SKIING — If your dog has any pull around the house, its probably game for trying the skijoring demo at Mount Spokane on Sunday.

Meet at 2:15 p.m. on the nordic ski trails where Linder Road passes ski trail Junction 1 (skiers an tell you where that is).

“We bring the dogs and harnesses,” said organizer Diana Roberts. “You bring your skis and poles. Skate skis provide better mobility for some skiers, but classic skis are fine too.”

Questions? Contact Diana Roberts at 509-570-8242 or skijorspokane@yahoo.com

WINTER SPORTS — The 37th annual Sandpoint Winter Carnival is adding some horsepower to its 37th annual event, which runs  Wednesday through Sunday between venues from Sandpoint to Schweitzer Mountain Resort.

Skijoring — horses towing skeirs on a loop track and over jumps will debut in the activity lineup on Saturday and Sunday at the Bonner County Fairgrounds.

“Sandpoint has a great culture — a good mix of horse people and a great ski mountain — and this time of year most people aren’t doing much with their horses and many skiers are looking for a new challenge,” says Matt Smart, owner of the local trail ride company Mountain Horse Adventures.

Read on to see the schedule of other events and activities including food tasting, rail jams, firedancers, torchlight parade, poker skiing, K9 Keg pulls, snowshoe treks and more.